The 2026 Senate battlegrounds are expanding deep into states Donald Trump comfortably won in 2024. Ohio, Alaska, Iowa and Texas now headline a broader Democratic push, forcing Republicans to defend more territory as control of Congress hangs in the balance. Democrats expand 2026 Senate map into Trump territory The battle for control of the US Senate has grown far wider than Republicans expected, with Democrats competing seriously in seve

The 2026 Senate battle has tightened sharply ahead of the November 3 midterms, with Senate control now hinging on a small group of competitive states. Decision Desk HQ gives Democrats a narrow edge, while toss-ups in Iowa, Ohio, Maine and Texas could decide which party controls the chamber. Senate Control Republicans entered the cycle with a 53-47 Senate majority, so Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take outright control becaus

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund as he seeks to overcome Republican opposition to his permanent confirmation. The decision also limits tax protections included in a settlement involving President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. Senate vote approaches Blanche announced the reversal in a post on X

The Padilla green card bill would replace the Registry’s January 1, 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven-year rule. Supporters say it could help more than 8 million long-term residents, including Dreamers, TPS holders and some H-1B workers, but the measure remains in committee. Sen. Alex Padilla renewed his push on July 27, 2026, for legislation that could allow millions of long-term U.S. residents to apply for lawful perman

US President Donald Trump mixed humor with praise during Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, sharing a Guantanamo Bay joke while honoring the Republican lawmaker’s political influence, military service and long career in Washington. Graham funeral held at National Cathedral Trump delivered the remarks on July 28 during Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral. The cathedral confirm

The Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict came under intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing after a heated confrontation between Senator Gary Peters and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The exchange quickly became the hearing's defining moment as lawmakers debated military strategy, troop support and billions of dollars in additional defence spending. The hearing also examined whether the administration has a clear long-term plan for the

The US House has approved a permanent daylight saving time proposal that could end seasonal clock changes across most of the country. The Sunshine Protection Act passed with bipartisan support, but it must still clear the Senate before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk. House DST vote delivers bipartisan approval The House of Representatives passed H.R. 139, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, by a 308

Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, has been appointed to complete the remaining months of his Senate term. Governor Henry McMaster presented the decision as a tribute to Graham while the state prepares to choose a permanent successor. Darline Graham Nordone appointed to Senate seat McMaster announced N

President Donald Trump has described his final phone conversation with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, saying the two spoke shortly before Graham’s sudden death. Trump said the senator sounded tired but remained focused on advancing legislation and expected to meet with him again the following day. Trump recalls final call with Lindsey Graham  

The FBI 2020 election probe has intensified political tensions in Washington after hundreds of bureau employees were reportedly assigned to support an investigation centred on Georgia. Senate Democrats are questioning the scale, cost and purpose of the operation, while federal officials have released few public details. FBI 2020 election probe mobilises analysts nationwide An internal FBI memo obtained by the Associated Pr

Senate challenges executive war authority The US Senate has approved a resolution opposing continued military involvement tied to Iran, signaling widening friction between Congress and the executive branch over war powers. The measure passed narrowly at 50–48 and had already cleared the House, reflecting rare bipartisan concern over the direction of US military engagement in the region. Although the resol

Senate approves housing affordability bill The US Senate on Monday, June 22, approved a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering housing costs by encouraging new construction, easing permitting rules and limiting the role of large investors in the single-family housing market. The measure, called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, passed in an 85 to 5 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives. If approved there, it will be sent t

Bill Pulte acting DNI duties will begin after President Donald Trump named the Federal Housing Finance Agency director to temporarily lead the U.S. intelligence community. The announcement, made on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, places Pulte in a Cabinet-level national security role while he continues overseeing major federal housing responsibilities. Pulte currently leads the FHFA and serves as chair of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Trump said Pulte would remain in those hou

Paxton Wins Texas Republican Runoff US President Donald Trump strengthened his influence inside the Republican Party after his endorsed candidate, Ken Paxton, defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff on May 26. The result marked a major political setback for Cornyn, a four-term senator who had served since 2002 and was backed by many traditional Republican figures.

GOP Pushback Delays Immigration Funding Vote Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday,May 22,2026 over a proposed $1.8 billion settlement fund for individuals claiming political persecution, forcing lawmakers to delay a major immigration-enforcement funding vote. The proposed anti-weaponisation fund has become a priority for Trump, who has argued that his supporters, including some people prosecuted

On May 20, the Senate removed $1 billion in funding for the White House ballroom project from a larger immigration bill, marking a notable political setback for former President Donald Trump. The funding was intended to cover Secret Service security upgrades for the East Wing, including modernized infrastructure and underground enhancements. The decision followed guidance from Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who flagged the allocation as incompatible with budget reconciliation ru

Senate Votes To Advance War Powers Resolution On Tuesday, May 19, the US Senate voted 50-47 to advance a war powers resolution that seeks to compel President Donald Trump to end military operations in Iran unless Congress authorizes continuation. This procedural victory marks the first time a resolution of this type has progressed after seven previous failed attempts since the conflict began in February. Four Republicans joi

Massie Defeated By Trump-Backed Challenger Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, lost his re-election bid to a Trump-endorsed challenger, Ed Gallrein, on May 18,2026. Trump targeted Massie over his criticism on issues like the Iran war and the Epstein files. Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, benefited from an aggressive campaign that included Defense Secre

WASHINGTON — Do senators get paid during government shutdowns? A new Senate rule would delay their salaries during future federal funding lapses, but the money would still be released after the shutdown ends. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to withhold senators’ pay whenever a government shutdown affects one or more federal agencies. Senate Shutdown Pay Rule Explained The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy,

Fresh satellite imagery has sparked renewed scrutiny over Pakistan's involvement in the ongoing US-Iran diplomatic talks, with reports suggesting that Islamabad may be housing at least one Iranian military aircraft at the strategically important Nur Khan Airbase, located near Islamabad. These developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Pakistan continues to position itself as a mediator between the two nations. The satellite images, which are believe